Vladimir Sterzhakov owes his popularity to TV series. “Molodezhka”, “Silent Hunt”, “Margosha”, “Dasha Vasilyeva. A lover of private investigation" - it is difficult to list all the top-rated television projects in which the talented actor appeared. He looks equally convincing in different genres, but gives preference to comedies. By the age of 59, Vladimir managed to star in almost 200 films and TV series, and he does not plan to stop there. What can you tell about his work and life behind the scenes?
Vladimir Sterzhakov: biography, family
The hero of this article was born in Estonia, or rather in Tallinn. This happened in June 1959. Vladimir Aleksandrovich Sterzhakov was born into a large family. The professional activities of his parents had nothing to do with the world of dramatic art. Vladimir's father worked as a builder. The man had a good voice and loved to sing and dance. The boy's mother worked as a cleaner in a kindergarten. The woman had perfect pitch and knew many folk songs. Sometimes members of folklore groups even turned to her for advice.
Parents told Vladimir a lot about the horrors of the war that they experienced. During the war years, my father was in a partisan detachment that operated in the Smolensk forests and reached Konigsberg. Mother spent almost four years in fascist captivity.
Childhood
Vladimir Sterzhakov was not an exemplary child. Parents worked a lot because they needed to take care of food. The boy was left to his own devices most of the time. He grew up as a street child and enjoyed participating in active games and mischief. Sterzhakov now recalls some of his actions with shame.
Vladimir studied poorly at school. The boy had a good grade only for his work. In high school, he unexpectedly became interested in theater. It all started with an advertisement in the Evening Tallinn newspaper, which the guy was shown by his friends. Vladimir learned about the enrollment of students in the theater studio and decided to test his strength. Unexpectedly for everyone, and especially for himself, he was accepted. Sterzhakov fell in love with the world of dramatic art, and no longer disappeared in the yard, but in the studio. His grades at school became even worse, but he already knew what profession he should devote his life to.
Education
Vladimir Sterzhakov's first attempt to become a student at a theater university failed. The self-confident guy tried to enter several Moscow universities, but everywhere he was rejected. Vladimir did not give up and give up on his dream. He entered the school at the Russian Drama Theater of the Estonian SSR. The young man gained experience and again set out to conquer Moscow.
The second attempt was more successful than the first. They were ready to take Vladimir to VGIK, the Shchukin School and the Moscow Art Theater School. Sterzhakov chose the latter educational institution, which he never regretted. The class schedule was very tight and it was interesting to study. His student years flew by instantly; Sterzhakov received a diploma from the Studio School in 1981. He joined the troupe of the Art Theater under Oleg Efremov.
Biography
Vladimir Sterzhakov’s family was far from the world of art.
According to the actor, “an atmosphere of absolute happiness and boundless parental love reigned in the house.” “My childhood was spent in amateur performances, I was always reciting, singing, dancing. So my path was straight, despite the fact that my parents were far from this area. Having lived together for 54 years, as far as I remember, they always fought for life, for literal survival with three children in their arms…” recalls the actor. After graduating from ninth grade, Vladimir entered the school at the Russian Drama Theater of the Estonian SSR. And later, having successfully passed the exams, he was accepted into the Moscow Art Theater School on the course of V.P. Markov.
Army, theater
Soon after the aspiring actor Vladimir Sterzhakov began collaborating with the Art Theater, he received a summons to the army. The young man became one of the few Moscow Art Theater artists who went to serve. When he arrived at the recruiting station, the military commissar tried to send him back. He invited the guy to serve in the Red Army Theater. Vladimir rejected this proposal. His grandfather died in the war, his father took part in battles, his mother was captured. He would not have been able to look his parents in the eyes if he had not gone to serve. The military commissar was forced to satisfy the young man’s desire.
Vladimir served in a sapper regiment near Rostov. After demobilization, the young man returned to the theater. After the division of the troupe, Sterzhakov began playing on the stage of the Moscow Art Theater named after A.P. Chekhov. “Woe from Wit”, “Duck Hunt”, “Little Tragedies”, “Tartuffe”, “Mishkin’s Jubilee” are just a few of the famous productions in which he took part over the years of work.
Childhood and youth
Vladimir Alexandrovich was born and raised in Tallinn. The parents had nothing to do with art, but their son was attracted to the stage almost from the cradle. While still in elementary school, Sterzhakov participated in amateur competitions and went to a theater studio.
After the 9th grade, the young man entered the school at the Russian Drama Theater of the Estonian SSR, after which he became a student at the Moscow Art Theater School. This stage is not only a place of study for Vladimir, but also the first “adult” place of work. He played in “Little Tragedies”, “Tartuffe”, “Woe from Wit”.
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Vladimir Sterzhakov in his youth
When Oleg Efremov, who had passed away, was replaced by Oleg Tabakov, Sterzhakov was almost the only one who openly complained to the new artistic director for being biased and blindly following the advice of his wife Marina Zudina. He accused the latter of inciting intrigue, of giving Tabakov’s students priority roles, while the artists of the old troupe were relegated to the background.
Vladimir left the theater and now plays in enterprises. Oleg Pavlovich later invited him to his productions, but the actor refused every time.
First roles
Vladimir always attached great importance to his work in the theater. However, it was not theatrical roles that gave him fame. He managed to become famous thanks to cinema and television. The aspiring actor first appeared on the set in 1986. The filmography of Vladimir Sterzhakov “acquired” the teenage drama “Plumbum, or a Dangerous Game.” Of course, the episodic role of a bartender in this film did not help him gain fame, but a start was made.
Then Vladimir starred in the following films and TV series.
- "Flight Accident"
- "When I'm 54 years old."
- "Taxi Blues"
- "The Tale of the Unextinguished Moon."
- "After the duel."
- "The enemy of the people is Bukharin."
- "Obsession."
- "Letters to a Past Life."
- "Fatal Eggs"
- "Return of the Battleship"
- "Strawberry"
- "Chekhov and Co."
- "Dossier of Detective Dubrovsky."
Difficult 90s
In the nineties, Vladimir was almost never invited to act. Cinema was going through a crisis, which affected the fate of many creative individuals. Actor Vladimir Sterzhakov played mainly in the theater. There was a catastrophic lack of money for living. Vladimir was forced to work at various jobs in order to feed his family. There were times when he washed floors and collected bottles.
Life began to improve when Sterzhakov was able to afford to buy a car. He started working as a private driver. During the day, Vladimir disappeared at rehearsals, and at night he turned the steering wheel.
New Age
Only in the new century did Vladimir Sterzhakov become a popular actor. Films and TV series with his participation began to be released one after another. He was able to attract the attention of directors thanks to his roles in the films “Nina. Payback for love”, “On the corner of the Patriarch’s”, “Code of Honor”, “Men’s work”.
Sterzhakov felt the taste of real fame after he began acting in the series “Dasha Vasilyeva. Lover of private investigation." In the top-rated comedy detective he got two roles at once - Commissioner Perrier and Colonel Degtyarev. His colleague on the set was Larisa Udovichenko. In total, Vladimir starred in four seasons of this series.
This was followed by bright roles in the projects “Heiress”, “Firefighters”, “Afromoskvich”, “Return of the Prodigal Husband”, “Stronger than Fire”, “Wide the River”, “Margosha”, “Scouts. War after war." It is also impossible not to note the image of Major Sergei Zaitsev, which Sterzhakov created in the crime action film “Wild”. The actor looked convincing in the role of Colonel Rychkov in the detective story “Alibi for Two.” He also starred in several seasons of the film about the adventures of detective Gurov, where he played General Orlov.
Vladimir Sterzhakov
Born on June 6, 1959 in Tallinn. Vladimir Sterzhakov’s parents were ordinary Soviet people, far from the world of art. They lived modestly and raised three children. Since childhood, Volodya took part in all kinds of amateur artistic activities: he recited something, sang, danced. He did not study well, because he constantly disappeared at rehearsals. So everything was heading towards the fact that in the future he would become an artist.
After graduating from the ninth grade with only one “B” in work, Vladimir entered the school at the Russian Drama Theater of the Estonian SSR. And later, having successfully passed the exams, he was accepted into the Moscow Art Theater School on the course of V.P. Markov.
In 1981, Vladimir Sterzhakov graduated from the Moscow Art Theater School and remained to work in the troupe of this theater. The actor gave twenty years to the Moscow Art Theater. He played mainly supporting roles, but the audience, nevertheless, remembered his characteristic characters in the plays: “Woe from Wit”, “Little Tragedies”, “Tartuffe” (Cleanthe), “Mishkin’s Jubilee”, etc.
In the mid-80s, Vladimir Sterzhakov made his film debut. Among his first works were a bartender in the youth film "Plumbum, or a Dangerous Game" and a juror in the television film "They Don't Mess With Robots" from the series "This Fantastic World."
In the 90s, a time of general political, economic and cultural crisis, due to the low workload in the theater and cinema, the actor had to look for additional income. I got to wash the floors in the entrances, collect bottles, unload cars, and work as a driver. Later, while married, Vladimir Sterzhakov worked part-time at a friend’s travel agency.
For a long time, Vladimir Sterzhakov remained a bachelor. Moreover, he liked this kind of life, and among his friends he was known as a convinced bachelor. Emu felt cozy and comfortable because he was in charge of his own time and desires. One of his hobbies, for example, was fishing. He even had a tradition - to celebrate the New Year on a frozen river with a fishing rod in his hands. And what kind of wife would let her husband go fishing on such a holiday?! As for everyday life, he had no problems here either. Vladimir Aleksandrovich is a very economical person; his home is always orderly, clean and comfortable.
And yet, there was a woman who was able to win the heart of a convinced bachelor. He met Alla in the early 90s completely by accident. There were a lot of people in the bakery where he went, and Vladimir, who was standing at the very beginning of the line, already at the cash register, offered his place to the woman he liked.
They dated for six months and called each other exclusively by name. The heart of the reinforced concrete bachelor gradually melted, and the final turning point occurred during Vladimir’s illness. After filming, he returned home with a terrible temperature. He was shivering, he was delirious, and at that moment Alla appeared in his apartment. Vladimir’s friends informed her about the illness. She arrived, called an ambulance, and then stayed to care for him. It was at that time that Vladimir realized that he could no longer live without this woman, and as soon as he got to his feet, he immediately proposed to her.
Surprisingly, fate seemed to oppose their union. On the way to the registry office, a huge icicle fell right in front of them. A little more, and perhaps I would have to go not to the registry office, but to the emergency room. And a few houses later, a brick fell from the roof at their feet, almost hitting Alla.
But you should never believe in omens. Vladimir and Alla got married and lived happily ever after for many years. The couple have two children: Denis and Alexey. Some actors say that they wish an acting destiny for their children; Vladimir Sterzhakov admits that he would like his dynasty to continue. After all, in his opinion, the acting profession, although difficult, is the best in the world.
Another source of income for Vladimir Sterzhakov at one time was advertising. The actor can fully be called the patriarch of advertising in Russia; the number of videos with his participation exceeds six dozen. Vladimir always took this work with great responsibility, which is why the videos turned out to be memorable.
It so happens that in his youth an actor is not in demand by cinema, but when he reaches age, so to speak, he suddenly becomes in great demand. Vladimir Sterzhakov’s talent was “discerned” when he was already well over forty. At first, directors began vying with each other to invite him to play the roles of all sorts of scoundrels, bureaucrats, dirty politicians, and crime bosses. As the actor himself admitted, after all this dirt and violence, he really wanted to play high feelings.
In the crime series “Dasha Vasilyeva. Lover of Private Investigation” Vladimir Sterzhakov got the role of Colonel Degtyarev, a loyal friend of the main character (Larisa Udovichenko). As the series progresses, Dasha Vasilyeva unravels new crimes, and his hero is very sincerely worried, swears and fears for the woman he loves.
Vladimir Sterzhakov is generally a very versatile actor. His range extends from various scumbags to passionate, fiery heroes. And in recent years, directors have increasingly used these different facets of his acting talent. Many viewers, of course, remember his Pavel Ilyich Gusev, the careerist from the TV series “Students”. In the series “The Milkmaid from Khatsapetovka” the actor created the controversial image of Alexander Yegorovich Bulychev (the father of the main character), in the series “Shiroka Reka” he played the kind, sensitive and fair Valentin Sergeevich Politov, in the biographical film “Valery Kharlamov. Extra time" - the famous hockey coach Anatoly Vladimirovich Tarasov. The actor’s excellent work is the director of the magazine publishing house Boris Naumovich Egorov in the TV series “Margosha”. Here his hero is a man who sincerely cares for his magazine with his soul.
Vladimir Sterzhakov continues to work on stage. Only now he performs in enterprises. With his characteristic responsibility, the actor takes entrepreneurial projects very seriously. His repertoire includes performances of different genres: the comedy “Little Scams of the Big City”, the melodrama “Pig in a Poke”, the ballad “The Kidnapping of Sabinyaninov”.
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"Silent Hunt"
Actor Vladimir Sterzhakov played one of his most famous roles in the crime detective film “Silent Hunt”. The series tells about the everyday life of employees of the criminal investigation department to combat pickpockets. Thieves work quietly and quickly. They identify the victim in the crowd and, with filigree precision, rid him of “extra” things. As a rule, they steal phones, wallets, and jewelry.
Vladimir’s character in “Silent Hunt” is senior warrant officer Boris Feldman. The experienced operative has been in Shirokov’s group for many years.
New items
What films and TV series with Vladimir’s participation have been released over the past few years? Relatively new film and television projects with him are listed below.
- “Hello, I’m your dad!”
- "Operation Puppeteer."
- "Serious relationship".
- "The Clock of Cagliostro".
- "Spiral".
- "Hurry up to love."
- "Mannequin".
- "The Smile of a Mockingbird."
- "Beautiful life".
- "So be it".
- "A holiday romance".
- "Not a couple."
- "Fulcrum points."
- "Life after life."
- "Pay".
- "Solar Circle".
- "The Secret of the Idol."
- "Extra".
- "Close ones."
In 2020, the series “Glee” is expected with Vladimir in one of the supporting roles. It tells the story of a boy, Yura, who dreams of surpassing the fame of Robertino Loretti. Unfortunately, there is no information yet about who Sterzhakov will play in this television project. The actor has not yet revealed his future creative plans. What is known is that several more premieres with his participation are planned for 2020.
Wife
Fans are interested not only in the creative achievements of the star. The personal life of Vladimir Sterzhakov also occupies the public. Until the age of 33, the actor was a confirmed bachelor. Vladimir had no doubt that he would never give up his freedom. A chance meeting in a bakery changed his beliefs. While in line, he got into conversation with a girl named Alla, then walked her home and took her phone number.
Vladimir looked after Aloy for a whole year. At first she rejected his feelings, but then changed her anger to mercy. The lovers did not organize a magnificent wedding ceremony; only close friends and relatives received invitations to the wedding.
The first "bells"
Only a few years later, actor Vladimir Sterzhakov managed to admit that he was very ill. Previously, the actor tried not to think about health problems, because all his free time was spent working in the theater and family. The first symptoms of the disease appeared back in 2020. During the next filming, Vladimir became ill, he was immediately taken to the hospital, and the only person who was always with him was his future wife Alla.
Famous actor Vladimir Sterzhakov
It was at that moment, lying under a drip, that Sterzhakov realized that he wanted to spend the last days of his life with her. News about the upcoming wedding immediately hit the press, but this could not change the joyful mood of the lovers.
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The actor is very grateful to his wife for being able to go with him all the way from the onset of the disease to the stage of remission. He believes that it was her love that helped them cope with all the difficulties.
Children
Vladimir Sterzhakov and his wife tried for a long time to have children. However, the couple did not succeed. They turned to doctors and they gave them a terrible sentence: “Infertility.” Vladimir and Alla did not despair; they found other specialists. The treatment process took a lot of time, but in the end the couple finally achieved their goal.
One after another, the couple had two sons. Denis and Alexey - that’s what they named the boys. Sterzhakov assures that he will never influence what profession his children will choose. However, deep down in his soul, he still hopes that at least one of them will follow in his footsteps and connect his life with dramatic art. Vladimir tries to spend as much time as possible with his sons, often taking them on tour. Together with their father, the boys travel not only around the country, but also abroad.
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One day, after filming another film, Vladimir Sterzhakov came home with a very high temperature. Alla, as soon as she learned about her lover’s poor health, immediately called the doctors. The woman also took full care of the artist until his full recovery. According to Vladimir, it was at that moment that he realized that he wanted this woman to stay with him forever. After his recovery, he came to his chosen one and invited her to formalize the relationship.
Today, the personal life of Vladimir Sterzhakov is an example to follow for many figures in Russian cinema. The actor’s family has two children – sons Denis and Lesha. Sterzhakov very often takes guys with him on tour, not only around the cities of the Russian Federation, but also far beyond its borders. The artist captures all the interesting moments from his tours in photographs. Vladimir believes that at least one of his sons will decide to continue the dynasty and become an actor in the future.
Vladimir Sterzhakov himself still continues to act in film projects and play on the big theater stage with popular colleagues. During theatrical productions, an actor is able to delve into the image of his character more than during the filming process.
In 2020, there were reports in the press that Vladimir felt unwell during a performance at the Saratov theater. Despite being very unwell, the actor still went on stage, where he played several scenes. As a result, he was unable to complete all performances as he suffered a heart attack. Fortunately, this incident was without consequences. Soon the artist began acting again.
In the photos that can be found on the Internet, the artist always looks cheerful and happy.
Disease
This year Vladimir turned 59 years old. Unfortunately, the health of the talented actor leaves much to be desired. Back in March 2016, Sterzhakov suffered a heart attack. This happened when he was on tour in Saratov. The actor was hospitalized and received help. He managed to quickly recover and return to his favorite job.
In May 2020, it became known about Vladimir Sterzhakov’s serious illness. The actor himself openly announced that he had cancer. It turned out that he had been fighting cancer for quite some time. Sterzhakov has already undergone six operations, which he previously tried to hide from the public.
Vladimir said that he was diagnosed with cancer in the abdominal cavity. Previously, the actor did not talk about this primarily because he does not want to see sad faces around him. He is not going to give in to panic, he is optimistic. Of course, Sterzhakov will continue to fight his illness. He has no intention of giving up his favorite job yet. The actor encourages people who are struggling with cancer not to give up.
Photos of Vladimir Sterzhakov at different periods of his life can be seen in the article. Also included are photographs of the second half and heirs of the talented actor.
Vladimir Sterzhakov spoke for the first time about his difficult struggle with cancer
The actor agreed to a frank interview. For a long time, Vladimir Sterzhakov preferred not to advertise his diagnosis. Only in Andrei Malakhov’s program did the artist talk about the fact that he had been diagnosed with cancer. Sterzhakov has already undergone six operations. The hero of the new episode of the program “Andrey Malakhov. The live broadcast of the Russia 1 channel was performed by 58-year-old actor Vladimir Sterzhakov, who fell in love with the audience after participating in the projects “Taxi Blues”, “Garbage Man”, “Milkmaid from Khatsapetovka” and “Two Fates”. The artist made a frank confession for the first time. As it turned out, Vladimir was courageously fighting a serious illness, due to which he was no longer able to become a parent. Only those closest to him knew about Sterzhakov’s illness, including his friend Marat Basharov.
Vladimir admitted that he never felt sorry for himself - that’s how he was raised. Parents told the future actor: “Be patient!”
“I have cancer in my abdominal cavity. In fact, this word is scary. We are intimidated by him to the point of panic. I also went through this,” Sterzhakov shared.
The man’s colleagues witnessed his health problems. Once Vladimir asked them to call an ambulance 15 minutes after the start of the performance.
“It’s terrible, God forbid someone goes through this. You're talking to a person and then suddenly they start dying. How so? They also say that the stage heals. No, not always,” recalls Marat Basharov. The artist added that Sterzhakov asked him not to tell anyone about the illness. Basharov kept his secret.
Sterzhakov admitted that he does not like it when others begin to express sympathy for him. “I don’t like sad faces around me. Maybe because I’ve been playing comedy all my life,” the man explained. Vladimir is optimistic and intends to fight. Presenter Andrei Malakhov noted that earlier in an interview with program staff, Vladimir talked about other options.
“When that terrible moment came and they told me: “Oncology”... And these terrible words are “stage four.” But fantasy works! I imagined myself turning into a vegetable. This is incompatible with me. I will not allow my family and friends to experience inhuman inconvenience. This is probably not the Christian outcome that I have defined for myself. But the decision was made that it would be a sleeping pill. This will be more honest for loved ones. Because it is unknown how long it will last, in what form,” the artist said before filming the broadcast.
After a while, Sterzhakov abandoned this step. “You understand, it was a very painful decision. It was really accepted. My friends and their relatives left in a terrible state. I definitely wouldn’t do something like that,” the actor shared. Then the artist had a serious conversation with his sons. He told the boys about the upcoming operation. Vladimir's heirs behaved like adults, which gave him additional strength. The man thanked his relatives for their support. “Thanks to them, I started to get out,” he explained.
The actor’s wife Alla also appeared in the program’s studio. The actor’s wife steadfastly endured the information about his terrible diagnosis.
“There was concentration inside. I thought about what to do - where to call, what to look for, which doctors to contact. I didn’t get hung up on the idea that it was scary. The first thing was how to help,” she shared.
Sterzhakov’s wife gave advice to those who are faced with a similar situation. “Never panic. All diseases can be cured. First of all, you need to try to support the person. Maybe make a joke somewhere. Spend more time together, go somewhere. And don’t focus on the disease,” she shared.
The actor's sons also came to the shooting to support him. Vladimir’s eldest son spoke about how he perceived his father’s words about a serious illness. “It was a shock for me. I couldn’t even think about anything - I closed myself off and began to process this information. I didn’t even know what to do,” Denis recalled.
